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Holy Trinity Church, in the centre of Hull, is the largest parish church in England. The building is over 700 years-old and still plays an important role in the city’s civic and spiritual life.

Music has always been at the heart of the church’s life. Hull Grammar School, which boasts alumni such as Andrew Marvell and William Wilberforce, was originally set-up to provide it with choristers.

Serena Derrett leads choir practise

Many churches have seen a decline in choir membership, a trend that Holy Trinity is reversing according to Director of Music, Serena Derrett. “People will tell you there is not the interest that there was in the traditional style of music, but as some one who has been involved in church music for nearly 40 years, I don’t think that’s the case. I think it is just the question finding people who are sufficiently enthusiastic about it to lead other people who may not know they are interested in such things.�

The choir has nearly 50 members and is split into adults, boys and girls sections. They rehearse separately but sing together during services; depending on the music required,

The centrepiece of the church is the magnificent organ, one of the largest in the country.

It was built in 1876 by the famed Hull firm of organ builders Forster and Andrews. It consists of approximately 4,500 pipes and has 104 speaking stops; used to create the sounds of different instruments. It was rebuilt and enlarged by John Compton in 1938.

Organist Mark Keith

The current organist, Mark Keith, says the size of the instrument adds to the warmth. “The quality of it is unique. The reeds have a really lovely singing quality to them as does a lot of the pipe work.�

As well as music supporting the various religious services the church plays host to over 30 concerts a year.

The sheer size of the building presents special requirements in the planning of music as Ms Derrett explains. “Everything needs to be done on a grand scale“